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Niagara Region Climate Action Plan

A bus in the street

The Niagara Region created an integrated community and corporate climate change action plan with targets for local energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction based on a previously-compiled regional inventory. The community portion of the plan was developed in a facilitated public engagement process, and will be implemented by action teams made up of community members and organizations. The objective is to reduce emissions by six per cent from 2006 baseline levels by 2016, and by 10-15 per cent by 2030. The corporate plan calls for a return of regional government emission levels to 2006 baseline level by 2016, with a 10-15 per cent reduction by 2030.

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • Achieve milestones two and three of the FCM Partners for Climate Change Protection Program
  • Reduce community GHG emissions by 6% below 2006 levels by 2016 and by 10-15% by 2030
  • Target efficiency improvements in the region's vehicle fleet of at least 5L/100km for gasoline and 11L/100km for diesel by 2016
  • Support green economic activity for greater regional prosperity
  • Improve human health and air quality through emissions reductions and support of renewable energy
  • Promote adaptation of agricultural practices to maximize food production in a changing climate

Challenges

  • Engaging and communicating with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders across 12 municipalities
  • Finding a leadership model that will build and sustain community ownership of the plan
  • Managing community frustration with the pace and direction of the planning process

Lessons learned

  • Engage key partners early in the process to ensure community ownership and leadership.
  • Embrace the unexpected.
  • Collaborate with local academics, who may be an excellent source of expertise.
  • Ensure that plans are understood by all stakeholders.

Resources

Partners and Collaborators

Project Contact

Erin Britnell
Coordinator Community and Corporate Initiatives
Niagara Region, ON
T. 904-685-1571, ext. 3393

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